HONG KONG

This course covers the principles of database systems. Toics include conceptual modeling and data models; logical and physical database design; query languages and query processing; database services, including concurrency, crash recovery, security, and integrity; hands-on DBMS experience. Text: A. Silberschatz, H. Korth, and S. Sudershan, DATABASE SYSTEM CONCEPTS. Assessment: assignments, midterm exam, and final exam.

This course examines the basic legal knowledge of criminal procedures in Hong Kong. It covers the criminal justice system; rights of arrested persons/defendants; powers of law enforcement agencies; criminal jurisdiction of courts in Hong Kong; classification of criminal offences; commencement of criminal proceedings; pre-trial and trial processes; sentencing principles and options; costs in criminal cases; and appeal mechanisms for criminal proceedings.

This course introduces marketing from the perspective of the decision-maker. It examines controllable variables (product, price, promotion and distribution), uncontrollable variables (competition, law, society, technology, and economy), consumer behavior and marketing research. Course topics include: the marketing process; marketing strategy, plan, and program; environmental forces that affect the company’s ability to serve its customers; how external and internal marketing environment affect marketing decisions; the marketing information system and its parts; the marketing research process; consumer and business markets; consumer buyer behavior; the adoption and diffusion process for new products; market segmentation, targeting, and positioning; product strategies; pricing strategies; distribution strategies; promotion strategies; and marketing ethics and social responsibility. Text: Kotler, Philip and Gary Armstrong, PRINCIPLES OF MARKETING. Assessment: quizzes, project written report, project presentation, participation, research and in-class exercises.

This course examines the current major environmental issues related to the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere as well as looking at major threats posed by the environment itself in the form of natural hazards. In addition, the issue of a potential nuclear threat and the ever-increasing demand for energy are explored. Finally, the matter of sustainable development and intelligent management of the planet for present and future generations is addressed. 

This course examines the trends, issues and opportunities of both local and international curricula in Social Science and Humanities Education. Contemporary learning models are introduced to pave the way for developing in-depth understanding of effective
pedagogies used inside and outside classroom. Attention will also be paid upon the discussion of using social resources to facilitate authentic and experiential learning. Key principles and measures in handling social controversial issues will be examined and elaborated. The ethics and responsibilities that Social Science and Humanities Education should shoulder will be discussed.

This course examines ethics to help future lawyers cope with pressure brought about by globalized legal practice. It shares insights on how legal mindfulness can help them reduce stress and develop ethical decision-making strategies. In particular, it teaches them how to practice mindful communications, mindful actions and mindful livelihood in their daily lives to develop themselves into innovative, creative and ethical lawyers. 

In an age where cross cultural interactions and global traffics are frequent, Hong Kong cinema cannot be regarded merely as local cinema. It is an interesting site where complex global processes can be traced. Flows of capital, film personnel, technologies, ideas and creativity are vibrantly circulating inside and outside the cultural industry of film making, resulting in phenomena such as transnational co-productions and cross-cultural co-operations. These dynamic processes are inflected in characterization, plot development and space time configurations on Hong Kong screens. This course explores the local-global interactions from a variety of approaches. With a selection of Hong Kong films, the course provides understanding of the two way relationship between the local, popular entertainment and global film scene by investigating the major questions regarding globalizations. Film critics, scholars and filmmakers conduct workshops and give guest lectures. Assessment: video test, group presentation with report, participation.

This course examines the principles and current practices of management. The course focuses upon the interaction between individuals (managers) and the organization. The course explores what managers do through discussion of the four fundamental functions of managers, namely planning, organizing, leading and controlling. Topics include: evolution of management theories, environmental influences on management, organizational culture, strategic management, organizational design, change management, organizational control and human resources management. Text: Jones, G. R., and George, J. M., ESSENTIALS OF CONTEMPORARY MANAGEMENT. Assessment: exams, class participation, group paper, group presentation.

This course aims to cultivate students’ systematic and critical thinking about science, technology, innovation, and society, especially in light of the transition from traditional China to contemporary China. Differing from the usual courses focusing on this subject, this course will take a social and  critical approach, enabling students to understand and analyze the social, political, and cultural preconditions and impacts of scientific and technological development.